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Aircraft De-Icers

Following a recent fatal accident involving the operation of an FMC manufactured small modular aircraft de-icer (SMD), the Health and Safety Authority wish to advise as follows:

The preliminary investigation indicates that the pin and associated bearing connecting the boom lift cylinder to it's lower mounting (rotator) failed, causing sudden collapse of the boom and basket.

All operators of these machines should now carry out a thorough inspection of boom pins and bearings and checking of grease ways. In order to carry out appropriate inspection, it is advisable that boom pins and bearings be removed to facilitate this inspection process and replaced with new parts if required.

All operators of similar type machines should immediately carry out a thorough inspection of their machines paying particular attention to boom pins, bearings and greasing arrangements.